Tsugaike Mountain Resort

Tsugaike Mountain Resort is one of the best places for beginners in Hakuba Valley, a major winter region in Nagano, known for its deep powder, sweeping alpine scenery and ten ski resorts spread across the valley. While many Hakuba resorts are famous for steep lines and big-mountain terrain, Tsugaike Kogen stands out for its wide, gentle slopes and relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for first-time skiers and families.

The kids’ areas and family-friendly zones have also expanded. For more advanced riders, the upper lifts open into lift-accessed tree zones and backcountry terrain, offering a completely different side of the mountain.

Tsugaike Mountain Resort

Photo by: PIXTA/ マッケンゴー

Tsugaike Kogen is best known for its huge beginner zone and extensive green slopes, making it one of the easiest places in Hakuba Valley to learn how to ski. The resort’s chill terrain stretches from the base right up to the summit, where even first-timers can ride the gondola and enjoy a long, gentle run all the way back down. Several multilingual ski schools operate here, offering lessons in English, Japanese and Chinese.

While Tsugaike has only one black run, it is well known among advanced riders for its lift-accessed tree skiing and backcountry gates. These areas require a short safety briefing, but the reward is access to some of the most enjoyable sidecountry terrain in Hakuba.

The resort spans from 1,702 metres at the top to 800 metres at the base, with a vertical drop of 904 metres. It offers 14 trails, 19 lifts and one gondola, with terrain divided into 50% beginner, 30% intermediate and 20% advanced. The upper mountain has a full snow park that becomes a highlight later in the season and the resort offers both daytime and night skiing for those who want to extend their time on the snow.

Staying Over

Photo by: PIXTA/ いつか

The base village has expanded in recent years, with the addition of new hotels and hostels, many of which offer ski-in, ski-out access. Most accommodations still follow a classic Japanese ski style where guests ski, soak in the onsen, eat dinner and rest early. There are a handful of local restaurants, cafes and casual spots, plus the famously out-of-place Burger King at the gondola mid-station if you are craving something familiar.

Families can also utilize the on-site day care, kids’ snow play areas and easy-access slopes. Several onsen sit near the gondola, including Tsuga-no-mori Onsen and a free foot bath at the base. Non-skiers can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or Snow Wow! Activities such as tubing and snow racers.

Looking for more? Discover more of Japan’s best ski destinations.